Pakistan's new Taliban chief threatens revenge

Pakistani security and medical personnel and media gather in front of the United Nations office after a suicide blast in Islamabad yesterday. Five people, including two Pakistani women and an Iraqi national, were killed in the suicide bombing inside a heavily fortified UN office in the heart of Islamabad. Photo: AFP

Pakistan's new Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud has met journalists, ending speculation about his death, and vowed to avenge drone attacks and the killing of his predecessor Baitullah Mehsud.
Hakimullah Mehsud met reporters Sunday in the country's tribal area for the first time since gaining control over the militant outfit, Dawn reported Monday.
His dramatic appearance finally ended speculation that he was killed in a leadership battle within the militant group, sparked by the August slaying of Baitullah Mehsud in a missile strike.
Mehsud, flanked by other Taliban commanders in a show of unity, spoke to a small group of reporters Sunday on condition the interview only be published Monday.
Mehsud said his group would avenge the killing of Baitullah Mehsud and strike back at Pakistan and the US for the increasing number of drone attacks in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.
Unmanned drones have carried out more than 70 missile strikes in northwestern Pakistan over the last year in a covert programme, killing several top militant commanders along with sympathizers and civilians.
The Pakistani government publicly protests the attacks but is widely believed to sanction them and provide intelligence for at least some.
Pakistani officials had said earlier that Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a recent shootout within the Taliban.